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Welcome to El Calafate, Argentina — dwelling to one of the well-known glaciers on the planet! There are many enjoyable issues to do in El Calafate, and with an airport on the town, it’s one of the simply accessible locations to go to in Argentine Patagonia.
El Calafate is the southern gateway to Los Glaciares Nationwide Park in Argentina, and boasts some stunningly stunning landscapes.
El Calafate was the second place my husband and I visited in Patagonia, after staying at Ecocamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine, Chile, and we had one main precedence: Perito Moreno Glacier. This magnificent glacier is one among Patagonia’s high pure wonders, and you may even go trekking on the ice!
Whereas Perito Moreno Glacier is way and away the highest sight, don’t mistake El Calafate as a one-attraction city. There are many spots for kayaking, biking, and mountain climbing surrounding El Calafate.
Past the outside, there are such a lot of issues to do in El Calafate itself. I used to be stunned that it felt extra like a small metropolis. You possibly can store for every kind of cool souvenirs, go to the native breweries, style some scrumptious Argentine specialties, and discover extra of Los Glaciares Nationwide Park (which is definitely a UNESCO World Heritage Website).
I actually liked my time in El Calafate, and I hope you’re keen on your time there, too. Right here’s a information to the very best issues to do in El Calafate, Argentina!
This put up was revealed in February 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
Finest Issues To Do in El Calafate, Argentina
Go to Perito Moreno Glacier
The primary factor to do in El Calafate is to go to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is likely one of the largest glaciers in Patagonia, beginning excessive within the Andes Mountains from the Southern Patagonian Icefield and flowing right down to Lago Argentino. It’s well-known for its dramatic icefalls, and in case you’re fortunate, you may get to see a calving!
There’s a guests’ heart on the glacier, with a restaurant and tons of viewing platforms and walkways the place you possibly can recognize its magnificence from each angle. These walkways are free to go to, and elements of them are wheelchair accessible.
Perito Moreno Glacier is about an hour’s drive from El Calafate; in case you hire a automobile, you possibly can drive your self, however most individuals go to on a tour.
This Perito Moreno Glacier tour contains pick-up and drop-off from El Calafate, ample free time to benefit from the walkways, and a brief navigation cruise out to the glacier.
Go Glacier Trekking
I went on a glacier mini-trekking tour and had a blast — if it’s in your funds, it’s simply probably the greatest issues to do in El Calafate. From city, we drove out to Perito Moreno Glacier and loved the views from the walkways.
Up subsequent, we took a bus to Brazo Rico, the place we sailed up near the glacier — the right place for pictures! We landed on the opposite facet of the lake, and from there it was a 15-minute hike to the glacier arrival web site, the place we had been fitted for crampons.
After which it was time for trekking! Utilizing our crampons to dig into the ice, we hiked up and down the ridges of the large glacier, gazing into brilliant blue holes of ice, ending with some whiskey served with recent glacier ice.
I’ve accomplished glacier trekking earlier than — in Iceland and on the Greenland Ice Sheet — however I feel Perito Moreno takes the cake for being essentially the most visually spectacular slab of ice of all.
We spent about an hour trekking on the glacier earlier than crusing and busing again to El Calafate. I can’t advocate it extremely sufficient!
Discover Perito Moreno Glacier by Kayak
Ever gone kayaking in a chilly space? As somebody who has kayaked in Antarctica and Greenland, I extremely advocate it!
You don’t have to be an skilled kayaker, although in fact expertise helps — the waters round Perito Moreno are glassy and calm, and also you’ll be bundled up in dry fits and cold-weather kayaking gear.
This top-rated Perito Moreno kayaking tour contains 90 minutes of kayaking on the lake, plus ample time to benefit from the walkways by the glacier.
Go on a Full Day Glacier Cruise on Lake Argentina
Most of the excursions to Perito Moreno Glacier embrace a brief navigational boat tour. However in case you’re trying to spend extra time on Lake Argentina, you’ll need to be part of a full day glacier cruise. This can be a nice possibility in case you’re trying to be much less lively.
Moreover Perito Moreno, this full day cruise contains views of many different Patagonian glaciers comparable to Upsala, Seco, Heim and Spegazzini. You’ll sail via the Upsala Canal, Canal de los Témpanos, and Escuadra Bay.
While you’re not testing the spectacular views from the ship, you’ll have the chance to go on a guided stroll at Puesto Las Vacas and luxuriate in lunch and drinks on board.
Discover El Calafate and Avenida del Libertador
Avenida del Libertador is the primary avenue operating via El Calafate, the place you’ll discover plenty of enjoyable retailers, eating places and bars. I used to be stunned at what a stunning city El Calafate is! Torres del Paine and El Chaltén really feel like they’re on the finish of the world (in a really beautiful method), however El Calafate has quite a lot of bustling exercise occurring.
So sure. Right here is a good spot to check out fascinating eating places, brewery and coffeeshop-hop, and do some severe purchasing.
And right here’s an enormous tip: Avenida del Liberator is the very best place to choose up a memento from Patagonia, as there are numerous extra shops right here than in smaller El Chaltén.
Go to the native breweries
I used to be stunned to study that El Calafate has so many brewery choices! Is it a mountain factor? Mountain cities love their craft beers!
So, the place must you go? Don’t miss my favourite brewery in El Calafate, La Zorra Taproom, with glorious beers, meals, and a enjoyable, convivial environment. In addition they have an outpost in El Chaltén, however if you wish to purchase any merch, you’ll solely discover it at their El Calafate location.
Nativa Restaurante & Cervecería Artesanal was one other brewery my husband and I actually loved. Our bartender was the very best! He poured us samples of all the pieces and talked us via the entire completely different choices on faucet. It’s not on Avenida del Liberatador so it’s not as busy.
Nonetheless thirsty? Sip your method round city at another nice breweries like Cerveza Patagonia and La Fábrica Cervecería (each spots have nice out of doors seating). I loved the entire breweries, however La Zorro was one thing particular.
Go to Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares isn’t what it appears like — it’s really a small park in the midst of downtown El Calafate. (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the massive nationwide park the place Perito Moreno Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy are positioned, is a distinct place.)
This beautiful park was inbuilt 1946 and showcases the historical past of the Los Glaciares Nationwide Park. It’s a great spot to go to throughout your exploration of El Calafate city.
Comply with the interpretive path to see depictions of various moments within the park’s historical past, comparable to the primary equipment used or fossils discovered, and study extra in regards to the native wildlife.
Discover the world by bike
One other nice strategy to discover the small city of El Calafate and the encircling area is by bike. You possibly can hire a motorcycle on the town at a number of retailers together with Hire Bikes El Calafate, EB Hire a Bike, and Rental Calafate (or simply stroll down Avenida del Liberator).
In the event you’re a extra skilled mountain biker, think about becoming a member of this exhilarating half-day bike tour. You’ll be pushed by 4×4 up via Estancia 25 de Mayo, a nature reserve in El Calafate.
From there you’ll discover the terrain by mountain bike, crossing the Guanacos Valley and taking in views of close by mountains. Lunch is included, and then you definately’ll return to city.
Go to a Conventional Estancia
An estancia is a ranch, sometimes devoted to rearing sheep or cattle, and whereas they’re discovered throughout Argentina and Chile, Patagonian estancias are one thing particular. As of late, many estancias have opened their doorways to vacationers to share their conventional practices and the gorgeous area they name dwelling.
On this full day estancia and crusing tour, you’ll get to expertise Patagonia’s well-known estancia tradition and iconic glaciers.
You’ll board a ship on Lake Argentina passing by the well-known Upsala Glacier. Your boat journey ends at Estancia Cristina, a historic ranch the place you’ll get pleasure from a guided tour and have the choice to discover the environment by 4×4 or stroll to a waterfall.
Get pleasure from an Argentine Parrilla
A parrilla (pronounced pa-REE-sha within the Argentine accent) is a conventional barbecue the place meat, often lamb or steak, is cooked on the grill. And whereas beef is what’s for dinner in most of Argentina, Patagonian menus are dominated by cordero (lamb).
Strolling round El Calafate, you’ll discover big barbecued slabs of lamb cooking over the fireplace, displayed within the home windows of a number of eating places. Argentines actually know the right way to put away quite a lot of meat, and parts are typically beneficiant.
If the odor of grilled meat is making you drool, head to one among these high rated eating places for a tremendous lamb or beef barbecue: Mi Viejo, La Tablita, or Casimiro Biguá. Wash it down with a Patagonian pink — or a basic Malbec from Mendoza!
Devour luscious truffles at Panaderia Don Luis
So that you’ve loved a neighborhood craft beer, feasted on barbecued lamb and now you’re trying to finish your day with one thing candy? Say no extra. Head down the street to Panaderia Don Luis for dessert!
This bakery and candy store is legendary in El Calafate for its huge truffles, and it stopped me in my tracks after I first walked by. Desserts are the specialty right here, although in addition they provide sandwiches, empanadas, goodies, waffles, and each sort of pastry you possibly can consider.
You possibly can take your desserts to go, or sit within the cafe and take pleasure in a slice of cake. (Be aware that Panaderia Don Luis is positioned on Avenida del Liberator close to the intersection of Avenida 17 de Octubre — there are different Don Luis eating places in several spots.)
Get pleasure from the very best espresso on the town at Miles Espresso Home
In the event you’ve been studying this weblog for a while, you recognize that I make an effort to search out the very best espresso on the town. In El Calafate, that honor goes to Miles Espresso Home!
This little cafe is positioned within the coronary heart of city and options a superb number of espresso-based drinks, together with muffins, cookies, sandwiches, and even mini pies!
It may be arduous discovering respectable espresso in rural Patagonia — however in case you’ve gone awhile with no respectable espresso, this place might be your new favourite spot on the town.
Attempt the Calafate Berry
Do you know that El Calafate is definitely named after a berry? Not the opposite method round!
A calafate is a small spherical berry, just like a blueberry, that grows natively in Patagonia. Legend has it that in case you eat a calafate berry, you’ll have the great luck to return to Patagonia!
You could discover calafate shrubs in your hikes all through Patagonia, and calafate specialties are served up in lots of native bars and eating places. You’ll additionally discover calafate juice, syrup, jam, jelly and sweet on the market within the retailers on the town.
A number of breweries on the town even serve calafate beers — which I liked as I like a artistic, fruity beer once in a while! Or in case you desire a cocktail, attempt a Calafate Bitter, a play on the favored Pisco Bitter of Peru and Chile.
Go to the Artisanal Market
Paseo De Artesanos Jorge Echeverria is El Calafate’s artisan market, positioned proper within the heart of city off Avenida del Libertador. Right here you’ll discover stalls arrange with native makers promoting work, ceramics, leather-based items, silverware, materials, jewellery and extra. It’s the right place to buy Patagonian souvenirs!
I particularly advocate looking on the textiles. There are some very nice gadgets right here that may look good in your house. (And if you wish to prank your folks, purchase some pan flutes for his or her youngsters! I needed to persuade my husband not to do that!!)
Take into account that this market is open from roughly 5:00-10:00 PM each day, with some stalls organising a bit later than others. Purpose to buy within the night for the very best expertise and most vendor choices.
Go to the Glaciarium
The Glaciarium (Glaciarium Museo del Hielo Patagónico) is a museum devoted to the historical past and exploration of Patagonia’s ice and glaciers, and one of many solely glaciological interpretation facilities on the planet.
Right here you’ll learn the way glaciers are shaped, learn accounts by early Patagonian explorers, see giant fashions of ice fields, and monitor the habits of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
The Glaciarium additionally options an auditorium the place you possibly can watch movies about Patagonia’s glacier and an ice bar, the Glaciobar, the place you possibly can get pleasure from an ice-cold drink!
Go to Yeti Ice Bar
In the event you’re searching for an amazing place to chill out in El Calafate, Yeti Ice Bar guarantees an unforgettable time! Don one of many offered ponchos and journey into an ice bar full with picture ops, shot glasses made out of ice, and an in-house DJ.
Whereas locations like this is usually a little tacky and overpriced, they’re additionally quite a lot of enjoyable, particularly in case you’re with a bunch of mates. Plus, when was the final time you had a drink with a yeti?
Take into accout this place will get busy within the evenings, particularly on the weekend.
Hike round Reserva Laguna Nimez
From the middle of El Calafate you possibly can simply embark on the 1.7 mile hike round Laguna Nimez. This easy-grade path is ideal if you wish to stretch your legs, take a look at the native wildlife, or maybe have a pleasant restoration day after a tricky hike.
Hen watchers particularly ought to go to Reserva Laguna Nimez, identified for its protected species of birds, comparable to flamingos. Take into account that there’s a price to enter the non-public land; 8000 ARS for adults and youngsters below 18 are free.
Calafate Mountain Park
Calafate Mountain Park is a leisure park providing actions that profit from southern Patagonia’s terrain in each season. Take the chairlift as much as the balcony for stunning views over El Calafate, the lakes and mountains within the distance.
In the summertime, get pleasure from quad rides over the mountains, biking trails and kayaking. And within the winter, check out snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing and even motorbiking within the snow. And don’t neglect that you just’re within the southern hemisphere! Summer season is from November to March and winter is from June to September.
Go to La Leona Petrified Forest
La Leona Petrified Forest is a lunar-like panorama, dwelling to petrified tree trunks and dinosaur fossils going again over 70 million years. It doesn’t get as a lot consideration as different locations in Patagonia, however it ought to!
Head out on this day journey to La Leona Petrified Forest from El Calafate the place you’ll go on a guided trek within the forest, in addition to go to different historic landmarks and viewpoints alongside the way in which.
La Leona Petrified Forest is midway between El Calafate and El Chaltén, so in case you’ve rented a automobile and are planning to drive between these two cities, I like to recommend stopping right here in between. Know that the bus between El Calafate and El Chaltén doesn’t cease right here, so it’s higher to hitch a tour in case you don’t have your personal wheels.
Kayak down La Leona River
Up for kayaking, however perhaps not at a glacier? La Leona River flows via Los Glaciares Nationwide Park and between the most important lakes, Lake Viedma and Lake Argentino. An effective way to discover this winding waterway is by kayak!
On this full-day kayak and mountain climbing tour from El Calafate, you’ll spend one hour paddling down La Leona River adopted by a hike via La Leona Petrified Forest.
On the hike, a nature information will let you know extra in regards to the area, you’ll preserve a watch out for dinosaur fossils, and also you’ll get to get pleasure from a picnic lunch earlier than heading again to El Calafate.
Take a day journey to El Chaltén
The mountain climbing mecca of El Chaltén is a few three-hour drive from El Calafate and probably the greatest locations to go to Argentinian Patagonia. El Chaltén is price a number of days of your time, and I extremely advocate making it a precedence in your Patagonia journey.
However in case you’re quick on time, you possibly can completely go to El Chaltén on a day journey from El Calafate. In the event you achieve this, I extremely advocate visiting on a tour like this one so that you don’t should cope with buses.
Your bus will drive alongside Lake Argentino and out in direction of El Chaltén the place a information will meet you and advise you on the very best mountain climbing trails on your private expertise. You’ll get to get pleasure from a boxed lunch earlier than heading again to El Calafate within the afternoon.
Take into account that in case you’re interested by mountain climbing the favored Laguna de los Tres path in El Chaltén, you possibly can’t do that on a day journey from El Calafate — the path is simply too lengthy. BUT you possibly can hike that path to the Fitz Roy viewpoint, which I did, and is a few three-hour round-trip hike from the trailhead.
Take a day journey to Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine Nationwide Park in Chilean Patagonia is likely one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever visited. How does it examine to El Calafate? The mountains are taller and extra jagged; the lakes are bluer and extra plentiful; and there are such a lot of guanacos!
I like to recommend visiting Torres del Paine for at the very least a number of days, ideally staying at Ecocamp Patagonia in case you can swing it. However in case you don’t have time for that, you possibly can go to Torres del Paine on a day journey from El Calafate.
On this present day journey you’ll drive out from El Calafate to Torres del Paine in an overland truck. When you’ve reached the park, you’ll discover by truck and on foot, taking within the stunning surroundings and having fun with a packed lunch.
The tour visits Lago Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, and plenty of waterfalls, together with my favourite, Cascada Paine.
How A lot Time to Spend in El Calafate
At a minimal, you need to spend one full day in El Calafate, and that day needs to be dedicated to Perito Moreno Glacier. In case you have the time and it’s in your funds, I strongly advocate a glacier trekking tour, which was a spotlight of my time in Patagonia.
After a day on the glacier, there’s sufficient to do in El Calafate to get pleasure from one other day or two on the town. However I’d additionally advocate visiting close by El Chaltén, only a three-hour bus journey or drive from El Calafate, particularly in case you’re interested by mountain climbing or trekking.
As enjoyable as El Calafate is, I’d make visiting El Chaltén the upper precedence in your Patagonia bucket checklist.
Tips on how to Get to El Calafate
Lo and behold, El Calafate has its personal airport! This makes it one of the simply accessible locations in Patagonia (and simpler to get to than Torres del Paine and El Chaltén). From El Calafate you possibly can fly direct to Buenos Aires and different home locations in Argentina, like Bariloche and Ushuaia.
El Calafate is related to different Patagonian cities by bus. The bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén takes about three hours. You may also take a bus from El Calafate throughout the Chilean border to Puerto Natales, the closest metropolis to Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, which takes about 5-6 hours. (Moreover, Puerto Natales is a two-hour drive from the center of Torres del Paine.)
Take into account that there are just a few buses to Torres del Paine from El Calafate every day. I extremely advocate trying up the schedule and reserving your journey upfront. Charlie and I did this journey in the wrong way — from Torres del Paine to El Calafate — and ended up reserving a non-public switch as a result of the one bus that day left very early within the morning.
Must you hire a automobile in El Calafate? I feel it’s good to hire a automobile in case you’re visiting each El Calafate and El Chaltén. You’ll have flexibility to journey as you please with out counting on buses — and might go to locations like La Leona Petrified Forest.
However in case you’re solely spending a day or two in El Calafate and no time in El Chaltén, I don’t suppose that you must hire a automobile. Simply e book excursions and so they’ll decide you up out of your lodging.
The place to Keep in El Calafate
As one of many important vacationer cities on this a part of Patagonia, El Calafate has lodging choices to swimsuit each type and funds.
I like to recommend staying inside strolling distance of Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, which is fairly near the middle of the motion, proper on busy Avenida del Libertador. The next lodges are the top-rated choices on this geographic space.
High-Rated El Calafate Inns
High Rated Luxurious Lodge in El Calafate — Mirador del Lago Lodge is about in an enthralling constructing overlooking Lake Argentino with a scrumptious buffet breakfast and free parking, proper within the coronary heart of city.
High Rated Mid-range Lodge in El Calafate — I stayed at Lodge Kosten Aike and would advocate it as a stable, snug lodge in El Calafate. The placement is ideal, simply off the primary street; the web works nice, and the rooms are surprisingly spacious.
High Rated Finances Lodge in El Calafate — Lago Argentino Hostel is a colourful, funds keep within the heart of El Calafate. This guesthouse options each shared dorms and personal rooms, a typical kitchen and lounge, and a stunning backyard out again.
Finest Time to Go to El Calafate
Patagonia’s excessive season runs from December to March, which is when you possibly can anticipate the longest, warmest, and sunniest days in South America. I like to recommend avoiding the busiest months of peak season — January and February — and as a substitute go to in early December or mid-to-late March.
This fashion, the crowds aren’t as giant, costs aren’t as excessive, and the climate needs to be good for essentially the most half. Although, one variable to remember is that Patagonia climate could be actually something — fierce wind, surprisingly robust solar, 4 seasons in a day. You should definitely pack appropriately.
I visited El Calafate in early December and it felt like the right time to go to Patagonia. You possibly can see from my pictures on this put up and particularly in my Torres del Paine put up that the climate was beautiful — a mixture of blue skies and clouds, no heavy precipitation, and good temperatures for mountain climbing. I’d advocate this time of 12 months to everybody.
Is El Calafate Value It?
Sure, El Calafate is price it! I actually liked my time right here, greater than I anticipated. I discovered Perito Moreno Glacier to be one among my favourite pure wonders in Patagonia, and the city was a lot enjoyable, too.
Moreover, El Calafate was the good little city escape I wanted between the pure environments of Torres del Paine and El Chaltén. It couldn’t have been timed higher.
I hope you’ve got a tremendous time in El Calafate — and Argentina!
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Have you ever been to El Calafate? Any ideas? Share away!